An office move typically takes 1 to 6 months from planning to completion, depending on your office size, distance, and complexity.
Smaller offices with minimal equipment can relocate in as little as 4 to 6 weeks, while larger operations may require 3 to 6 months or more for preparation and execution.
Your timeline will vary based on lease requirements, employee count, and the level of complexity regarding the space and the items to be moved.
Office Move Timeline Overview
| Timeline Phase | Duration | Key Activities |
| Planning Phase | 3-6 months | Lease review, budget creation, moving company selection |
| Pre-Move Phase | 1-3 months | Packing, inventory, employee communication |
| Move Execution | 1-3 days or more | Physical relocation, setup, IT installation |
| Post-Move Phase | 1-2 weeks | Unpacking, testing systems, final adjustments |
What Factors Impact Your Office Move Timeline?
Your office relocation timeline depends on several critical factors that can either speed up or slow down the process. Office size is the primary driver, as a 5,000-square-foot space will naturally take less time than a 50,000-square-foot facility.
The complexity of your equipment plays a significant role too. If you’re moving servers, medical equipment, or industrial machinery, you’ll need additional time for proper disconnection and reinstallation. Your IT infrastructure alone can add a week or more to the timeline if not properly planned.
How Much Planning Time Do You Need?
Start planning your office move at least 6 months in advance for best results. This gives you adequate time to review your current lease, secure a new location, and hire a professional commercial moving company. Many building managers require 3 to 6 months’ notice before you vacate.
During this phase, you’ll need to create a detailed budget and assign a relocation project manager or team. This person becomes your central point of contact for all moving decisions. They’ll coordinate with vendors, communicate timelines to employees, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
You should also schedule a walk-through of your new space during this time. Taking measurements and planning your office layout now prevents last-minute surprises on moving day. Consider whether you’ll need any renovations or modifications, as these can add several weeks to your timeline.
What Happens in the Weeks Before Moving Day?
The 1 to 3 months before your move is when planning transforms into action. You’ll begin packing non-essential items like seasonal decorations and archived files. Creating a complete inventory during this phase ensures nothing gets lost and streamlines the unpacking process.
Your IT department needs to start coordinating the disconnection and reconnection of all technology systems. This includes planning for server moves, phone system transfers, and internet setup at the new location. Technology transitions often cause the most disruption if not properly scheduled.
Employee communication becomes critical during this period. Your team needs clear instructions about their responsibilities, what to pack, and when to pack it. Following a comprehensive office move checklist helps ensure everyone stays on the same page and meets important deadlines.
How Long Does the Actual Office Move Take?
The physical moving process typically spans 1 to 3 days for most offices, though this varies significantly by size. A small office with 10 to 20 employees might complete their move in a single day. Mid-sized offices usually require 2 days, while large corporate relocations can take 3 to 5 days or longer.
Professional moving companies often work during off-hours or weekends to minimize business disruption. This approach allows you to maintain operations in your old space while the new location is being set up. Some businesses opt for a phased move, relocating different departments on different days.
Your moving company will load, transport, and unload all furniture and equipment during this time. They’ll also handle the physical setup of furniture and workstations according to your floor plan. Quality movers can significantly reduce your move time through efficient processes and experienced crews.
What Should You Expect After the Move?
Plan for 1 to 2 weeks of adjustment time after the physical move completes. Your team will need time to unpack, organize their workspaces, and adapt to the new environment. IT systems require testing to ensure everything functions properly.
You may discover minor issues that need addressing, such as furniture adjustments or additional storage needs. Building in this buffer time prevents rushed decisions and allows for proper quality control. Your employees will appreciate having time to settle in without immediately jumping into full productivity mode.
Final cleaning of your old location is another post-move task that many businesses overlook. You’ll likely need to restore the space to its original condition per your lease agreement. This can take 1 to 3 days depending on the extent of decommissioning required.
Partner with Meyer for Your Office Relocation
Moving your office doesn’t have to be overwhelming when you have the right timeline and support. By starting early and planning carefully, you can complete your relocation smoothly and minimize downtime. Most businesses find that a 3 to 6-month timeline provides the best balance of thorough preparation and efficient execution.
Meyer Inc. specializes in office moving services throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Our experienced project managers guide you through every phase of your move, from initial planning to final setup. Contact us today to discuss your office relocation timeline and receive a customized moving plan that fits your schedule and budget.